posted on September 14, 2001 05:50:44 PM
I will no longer be bidding on items on eBay. I am tired of being ripped off. Out of every 5 items I buy 1 is junk or a reproduction. I am not going to take the time to email each seller and ask if an item listed under antiques is really old or a reproduction.
I have been buying and selling on eBay for over 3 years and it just keeps getting worse. I am going back to buying at shops and flea markets where I can see and feel the item before I pay.
No wonder I have done well selling on eBay. In over 3,000 items sold I have had 3 returns that I gave full refunds + paid for return shipping.
posted on September 14, 2001 06:04:49 PM
i found that out years ago.
but then we must ask ourselves how much we paid for this archaic chinese jade dragon(archaic is a few thousand years old0 in mint condition for 24.99,18th century italian majoica vase for 46.86,that early 20th c meissen figurine for 34 dollars,roman coin,greek medallion,african ebony statue,antique egyptian amulet,civil war dagger,bayonet,pistol,cannon,celtic cauldron,ottoman empire jewelry??
the list goes on.
how can it be possible that the entire human civilisation relics are available on ebay for a starting bid of 9.99???????????
posted on September 14, 2001 06:08:46 PM
one nite i spotted a meissen figurine for 34.99 starting bid which looks like a drug store item so i emailed the seller.
'she is a young lady and she said she is very sure it is meissen as she has seen a few sellers selling theirs as meissen ,so she decided she will sell hers as well.
so WHY SHOULD ANYONE PAY 3000 IF YOU CAN GET IT FOR 34.99 ON EBAY??
posted on September 14, 2001 06:10:38 PM
Toolhound, I've been pretty fortunate so far, no really bad transactions out of the 30-40 or so I've participated in. Maybe it's the type of things I "buy". But, I can sympathize with you, it wouldn't take too many bad experiences for me to be turned off completely.
posted on September 15, 2001 02:52:12 AM
This thread kind of proved my point. 6 responses and 1 was from an uncaring (soothsayer) person that is probably selling reproduction items or would not care if you were unhappy with a purchase.
kiawok, I find it hard to believe that someone has purchased 250-300 items with no problems unless they are buying new items. If they buy antiques they are either very lucky or are like a guy I know that invited me over to see his eBay antique buys. I didn't want to be the one to tell him that 25% of his antiques are reproductions.
posted on September 15, 2001 03:59:41 AM
I would imagine there are other things on folk's minds right now....that might account for the lack of response.
Personally, I've been buying vintage and antique jewelry on eBay for a bit over 2 years now and have had no complaints. I've had minor condition complaints on a couple occasions (over-exuberant description *G*) but haven't purchased any mis-represented items, although I must say I have seen a fair amount.
I would agree that buying unique antique or vintage items on eBay isn't for the casual buyer, much as doing so isn't advised in the live auction market. Experience and education are the best tools to elicit a good outcome most of the time (nobody is perfect IME).
I buy more on eBay than I sell but, when selling, I tend to be conservative on descriptions and encourage buyers to ask pointed questions. Often, I have gotten quite an education from buyers experienced in their category and have come away from the transactions with new tools for examining and classifying items in the future.
For myself, in the final analyisis, my tagline pretty much explains my philosophy of buying (and selling) on eBay and elsewhere.....and I'm not likely to discontinue participation in the foreseeable future.
Pat
Success is where opportunity and preparation meet.
posted on September 15, 2001 04:20:43 AM
I've purchased fewer than 50 items on eBay and had about 4 disappointments.
One was totally my fault for not asking if the item was cotton or synthetic. It wasn't misrepresented.
One was totally my fault because the description said it was faded and then I was disappointed at how faded.
One was partially my fault because the seller represented the item in excellent condition - neglecting to mention that there was no string in the lid cover. She refunded me some money to get it repaired.
One was a total rip-off because the book was graded VG+ and there was writing all over it. The good news was that it inspired me to sell books on eBay - something that I've found very enjoyable.
Almost all of these happened my first few months on eBay. I now ask all questions that aren't answered in the description before I bid. If the seller doesn't answer, I don't bid.
Someone posted here the other day about the risks of auction buying - it was a great post, in which she suggested that if you can't deal with the risk, you might be better off buying retail. She was a buyer.
posted on September 15, 2001 04:34:23 AM
This brings to mind a quote I made while viewing an ancient chinese porcelain exhibit at the Smithsonian: This stuff wouldn't sell on eBay because it has crazing on it.
posted on September 15, 2001 04:45:29 AM
I'm sorry to hear that your experiences have discouraged you to this extent.
I don't buy that much, but I've had my share of disappointment: clothing items not as represented, and media items (books, CD's) mailed in thin brown envelopes with no padding or protection of any kind (books were undamaged thankfully, but CD case got cracked).
And if I've had bad experiences out of so relatively few purchases over more prolific buyers, I can imagine how frustrated you and other more prolific buyers must feel and the kinds of bad experiences you must have.
But it sounds like you are an excellent seller who puts customer service first. I hope you'll continue to sell because we need more sellers like that.
posted on September 15, 2001 05:35:29 AM
The same problems exist in regular antique venues among unsuspecting but otherwise intelligent buyers. My stepfather purchased a number of items that turned out to be repros or had hidden damage and never knew it--fortunately he died not knowing his mistakes. Many sellers on eBay aren't all that up on what they sell.
Why is it that anyone would think that buying on eBay is really any different than anywhere else; every place and every purchase has risks. Most of the time, none of these ever show up. I have bought several hundred items over the web: about three were were really crummy deliveries, same for packaging and misrepresented, one was genuinely defective. My biggest problem is cracked CD cases, most sellers provide replacements. In the meantime, I saved several thousand dollars and more importantly find items that I could not get elsewhere.
Not quite. For the most part he collects vintage radios, and he has also purchased numerous other antiques/collectibles for his wife.
I know another power BUYER who has purchased over 500 items [approx. 80% being antiques/collectibles] and last I heard she has only had 2 problems with her items.
BTW - Neither one of these buyers collects repos.
Lucky? Hard to say? I do know they check their sellers out very closely before placing a bid.
posted on September 15, 2001 06:00:44 AMToolhound - I'm rapidly getting to the same point. I don't know what categories you buy but clothing is almost impossible to buy in. The last five transactions in which I was the buyer have been bad. I'm *very* cautious, ask questions and still get taken. Case-in-point...
1) Two pair clogs (1 'new', 1 'slightly worn') - the 'new' was worn (although not much) and the 'slightly worn' has a stitching problem in the leather which I'll need to have fixed because it rubs against the instep. The two pair cost me a total of $40.00 ($15.00 shipping, no she doesn't combine shipping to the same address).
2) Two pair 'elastic-waist Lee jeans'. They were the right size but were not 'elastic-waist'.
3) Three dresses - each one was exactly 2" smaller in all dimensions than what was advertised which made 2 of them a bit too tight.
4) Two dresses - One exactly matched the given measurements, the other (same size but different manufacturer) was 10" larger in all dimensions than what was advertised.
5) Pair 14k gold earrings advertised as 1.5" inches long - turned out to be 1 and 1/8 inches long. Oops.
In the dresses, all were advertised as being measured by 'laying flat and measuring across'. Now, this is how I measure my clothes and it's not that difficult. I have *never* had a buyer say something of mine didn't fit and - in fact - get many compliments that they fit exactly.
posted on September 15, 2001 08:47:29 AM
I understand where you are coming from. Many sellers understate the condition of the items they are selling.
Purchased a book the seller said was in good condition, but when it was received I discovered it was filthy with dirt and food particles stuck to it. This was bought from a former AuctionWatch member (someone who no longer contributes here).
Granted, I did not spend much on the book, but it wasn't described accurately. I threw the book away and e-mailed the seller voicing my disgust. Seller offered a refund, but I declined, explaining that I already disposed of the book. Really only wanted them to know they were not describing the true condition of the item.
And I think this is pretty much the norm on eBay. All my buyers write and rave about the great condition of the item they received, saying, "item better than photo," or, "item better than described." I find it important to describe every detail of an item up for sale, including any flaw, not matter how small.
I have never received a neutral or neg. But I also have given two "full" refunds because the buyers were not totally satisfied with their item. (One had a very small, hidden 1/4 inch hairline crack I overlooked, and the other arrived slightly damaged because I used/tried a new packaging material).
If all sellers would accurately describe and then stand behind the items they sell, no buyers would be discouraged.
You also have to remember that there are so many people selling on eBay that have no idea about the items they are offering.
posted on September 16, 2001 07:11:14 AM
one of my ebay customers must have spent more than 100,000,much more on ebay for the last 5 years buying so called antiques-chinese antique jade,bronze,easter island relics,korean 18th c porcelain and more.
sometimes he will ask me to take a look at some of the antique jade items he was bidding on ebay.
when i tried to bid on an item just so i can study it ,he quickly jumped in and sniped it away thinking i must know something he does not know,forgetting i am doing it for his sake.
anyway,as we become friends,he started to tell me some of the things he found out -
he showed the pair of 18th c korean vases to his korean daughter in law and she deciphered them as made for korean insurance comoany in 1988 for its clients !
the easter island relic is identical to those offered in airport gift shop of easter island.
there are over 1000 pieces of old chinese jade carvings which he tried to sell at 23 dollars a piece,which can easily be bot at our local wholesale shop for a few dollars a piece.
he also buy off ebay meeting people at motel parking lot etc.
the money for such purchases came from govt checks,insurance proceeds and lawsuit settlement.
is he bored at home,is he trigger happy,is he addicted to ebay?
probably all of the above,but there is also a more sober motive,he really at one time believe he will get rich buying these priceless items even though through out the years he has acquired knowledge on these items thru library video and books that you could have an item which is old but not original -an original jade horsehead of tang dynasty can be reproduced by later artists of ching,ming ,early republic and today.
anyway the last time i talked to him,he is preparing a lawsuit against a major auction house for discriminating common folks.
so next time when someone insists he is very happy with his ebay antique purchases ,think deeper as to why-may be he need to unload them to the next ebayer as antique or he wants to wage a lawsuit and reap millions!!!!!!
posted on September 16, 2001 08:39:09 AM
toolhound
i am neither uncaring nor sell reproductions....what im though is tired of all the whiners, you are on that list. so leave ebay, quit sellin, quit buying NOBODY CARES ...........I have over 4600 pos feedback, 4 negs from deadbeats.......you know nothing except of course how to whine. the fact you do not want to email people to verify items even after past experience tells you too, shows what kind of person you are. tooo lazy to investigate and when you get burned you WHINE....I say good ridence to you!!!! In this life things are not always going to go your way, learn that and get on with life. so not all the responses here coddled you, so i spoke my opinion...ya can't handle it,,,,MOVE ON YA WHINER
[ edited by soothsayer on Sep 16, 2001 08:42 AM ]
posted on September 16, 2001 08:45:06 AM
you continue to bid but whine here saying you are done....you bid on the 15th on 3 items .....you speak with forked tongue!!!!
[ edited by soothsayer on Sep 16, 2001 08:46 AM ]
posted on September 16, 2001 08:46:59 AM
Soothsayer,
For your response to toolhound, you have earned yourself a strong warning. Specifically, the respect aspect of the Community Guidelines has not been adhered to.
Desist with your insults or you will find your posting privileges suspended.
posted on September 16, 2001 09:43:36 AM
moderator
please look back in the thread....toolhound made some slanderous remarks regarding my ebay activities......WHY ARE YOU ONE SIDED in your warnings???????
posted on September 16, 2001 10:17:57 AM
I'm a music-items collector (both CD and vinyl) and see similar issues in that area. Some sections are so rife with CD-Rs that you have to assume that's what it is unless the seller says specifically otherwise AND has excellent feedback. Some people still buy CD-Rs of bootlegs just as they used to buy tapes, but prices top out a lot lower if it's assumed to be a CD-R.
Vinyl is a lot more condition-sensitive and a lot dicier. Being able to look in person still has a marked advantage there.
The point is that you adapt. Ebay is better for some things than for others, just like the Internet is better for selling airline tickets than selling groceries.
posted on September 16, 2001 10:30:09 AM
I've bought quite a bit of antique and vintage jewelry. I have only been disappointed once, when an item was much more fragile than represented. It's a risk I'm willing to take, the good far outweighs the bad.
posted on September 16, 2001 02:04:49 PM
I've purchased hundreds of items on ebay and have only been disappointed, I'd say, less than 5 times. And one of those was with a seller who didn't pack a breakable AT ALL and it arrived broken. (She just stuck some pieces of styrofoam & newspaper around it casually and put it in a thin, crappy box!)
Ya just have to do your homework, be careful, and cautious from whom you buy. Also, if there aren't good pics & a good description I will pass it by. Some sellers will just put 'good condition' or something like that without elaborating on the condition...HUGE red flag there!
posted on September 16, 2001 02:47:59 PM
toolhound:
At a B&M auction house, you have a preview to evaluate items.
At the flea market, you inspect the item.
In an online auction, the Q&A is your best substitute for a hands-on inspection. You know that, right?
So if you're getting junk and repros but you to refuse to ask questions beforehand, you've no one to blame but the person staring back at you in the mirror.
Edited for clarity
[ edited by icyu on Sep 16, 2001 02:55 PM ]
posted on September 16, 2001 04:31:25 PM
I've done lot's (appr 100 items) of buying on ebay, mostly in the $20+ range and only felt ripped off once, but got a refund on that.
I've been to a show where I got scammed. No way of knowing with even close inspection. Another time at a show I asked the dealer if the quality f the item I was interested was good. Couldn't tell because it was sealed. He said yes, very good. I got it home and the quality was sub average. At store's I bought from they sold items for mint prices even though I knew they were not, most collectors weren't educated enough to tell the difference. I had a giant retail/mail order company send me only one item out of two. Since I was used to waiting up to six months for their items to arrive by this time I threw the paperwork away and couldn't prove it to them.
Buying on Ebay is not perfect, but the problems are the same everywhere you shop.
Also, if you watch the "Antique Roadshow" you will hear stories about antiques bought at Antiques stores, and they are told they bought a fake or reproduction.
[ edited by quickdraw29 on Sep 16, 2001 04:37 PM ]
posted on September 16, 2001 05:17:16 PM
good points, all of these.
I sympathize with you. There have been many many times when I have said "never again". But that was before I learned to stack the odds in my favor by knowing what questions to ask if info I need is not included in the auction description, and by developing a better eye for seeking out flaws in tiny, blurry, dark photos.
It really depends on what you buy, and your knowledge thereof, where you should shop. I personally have found more would-be ripoff artists at flea markets than I have on ebay. (I buy and sell dolls.) That is my own experience; yours may vary. I would say that if you are buying very expensive things that you don't know much about, bring a knowledgeable friend with you on your purchasing trips, or spend some time learning more before making your purchases.
The best advice I can offer about ebay is- do the math- add up shipping, insurance, high bid price, and risk factor. Compare with the price you would pay in a retail store. Check feedback. Study the photos closely. Email all questions to the seller, and carefully consider the answers you get. Finally, ask yourself, if you were in Vegas on vacation playing blackjack, would you take a similar risk? If you wouldn't bet that much money in the slots, don't do it on ebay either. But just know that your odds of winning a prize on ebay are a lot lot better than your odds of winning at vegas are.
BTW, I used to make my living by re-selling things I bought on ebay, on ebay.
